Paignton Zoo Paignton Zoo 2023
- Thread starter TriUK
- Start date
At a guess, 25 X 15 metres?
Charles
Well-Known Member
Thank you
In talking about the decline of Paington Zoo over the years, I think it's also appropiate to discuss the decline of Paington itself. I don't know a lot of exact statistics (i'll try to research later) but from what I have seen, it is safe to say that Paington has declined as a place as a whole and therefore its economic output has decreased. This could be another factor contributing to the zoo's smaller and smaller funds.
An interesting angle, but I’m not sure that has any relevance, as most Torbay locals would visit as members or via school visits? I don’t know stats either, but I do know that coastal community deprivation and low paid, zero hours contracts through seasonal jobs is a pertinent topic here (I live in Torquay). Paignton harbour has had some recent investment as is looking good - in cities, some people would use the term ‘gentrification’ - and there are some smart modern hotels near completion on Paigntons sea front. I think that the financial implications of TB, A flu, Brexit, C19 and some poor leadership have been the main drivers in the zoos decline. There are glimmers of improvement and progress, but it is frustratingly slow. Im not sure how much, if any, support comes the zoos way from Torbay Council, but I do know they are skint and need more funding from central government.
That's true, though with my comments I was more trying to indicate that as the area of Paington became more deprivated, it would attract less people and so there would be less guests.
But I think you're right. I had a quick look at some things online I could find but nothing points toward a substantial correlation between the decline of Paington and less income for the zoo. I really hope the regeneration project goes well though, as it could be a way for the zoo to attract more money if it is successful.
Paignton and Torquay have actually stabilised as holiday resorts. They're obviously massively down on the 60s/70s peak but they're holding pretty firm of late. Torquay in particular regularly features in the top 5 of so of UK destinations on TripAdvisor. If you avoid the decaying town centres they're actually alright, so I don't think Paignton is suffering from that too much. The wider economy is more of a worry.
Arid Lands (Desert House) is open following closure due to A Flu.
There seems to be some exciting news to be announced at the July centenary surrounding what will replace the area from the Croc Swamp down to Baboon Rock, presumably resulting in the loss of the current Aldabra Tortoise exhibit?
The feel good factor may be returning to Paignton after years of unfortunate decline and loss of its once great collection? Fingers crossed!
There seems to be some exciting news to be announced at the July centenary surrounding what will replace the area from the Croc Swamp down to Baboon Rock, presumably resulting in the loss of the current Aldabra Tortoise exhibit?
The feel good factor may be returning to Paignton after years of unfortunate decline and loss of its once great collection? Fingers crossed!
Where is this information please?
Hey Rajang, I’ve picked up on the body language, positive tone and tactful (smiley faces) framing of conversations I’ve had with various staff members I’ve interacted with in recent weeks, all of whom have remained professional and have not ‘let slip’ to me what the future plans are, but my instincts are good and I know it’s finally turning a corner - if indeed they follow through and another massive hurdle like TB, Covid or AI gets in the way!
I was ‘naughty’ to state that the Tortoise/Science building (old Giraffe house) will go as I don’t know that. Apologies.
The zebras have moved (4 females - what happened to the stallion?) to their new paddock.
One moment, please...
One moment, please...
I can imagine a sloth will look great in there! Good choice PZ.
I guess that there will be an ideal opportunity to bring in a new stallion, once the mares have settled down in their new surroundings.
Stallion was euthanised due to ongoing health issues.
This is sad. I hope a new male can be sourced, it’s hard to move animals from the EU now.
I found the keepers comment about mixing the zebra with the giraffe herd interesting, as Hartmanns have not mixed successfully very often in other collections. I hope it works here.
I can’t wait to see the giraffe in the larger paddock.
One of the biggest complaints on Trip advisor and social media is the lack of signage and poor routing around the zoo.